With the capture of Verandi Farley and several high-ranking Trossach members, the British wizarding world has finally caught a break. The rate of rogue werewolf attacks have started dropping at a steady rate and, hopefully, things will stay that way. The Ministry is starting to loosen some restrictions, like not arresting werewolves standing on the street for loitering, however there’s still an obvious power imbalance between wizardfolk and werewolves.
The Cotswolds pack are continuing to advocate for the rights of werewolves and petitioning to change the legislation that has been set in motion by the current Minister for Magic, whilst the remaining Trossachs members are trying to stay out of the spotlight and keep a low profile… for now.
Whilst the British wizarding world seems to have calmed down, the same cannot be said for over in Northern Europe where a rebellion of magical creatures has risen. The state of things has gotten so bad that the European Ministry has enacted protocols to protect those under eighteen whilst their adult witches and wizards fight to keep control of their countries.
Students from Durmstrang have been sent to Hogwarts to keep them safe and those not old enough to attend school have been sent to live with relatives or designated British Ministry officials outside of Europe for the time being.
Will the low rates of werewolf attacks in Britain continue? How long will Durmstrang students stay at Hogwarts? Will the creatures usurp the wizardfolk in Northern Europe? Only time will tell.
SEPTEMBER 2019 It's been a very long, eventful summer in the wizarding world. A baby was stolen, several high ranking Trossach members were imprisoned, and werewolf attacks have drastically dropped as a result. What will happen now school has returned?
MAY 2019 An attempt to capture the beta of the Trossachs has been launched. Were the Aurors successful in their mission? Go read more here!
and i'm calling for my mother/as i pull the pillars down
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Jun 22, 2019 19:49:10 GMT
The late November wind was freezing the air outside, as if the full moon earlier that week hadn't chilled everyone's attitudes enough. Nadya, for her part, however, was as cheerful as she ever was despite it all, sitting alone at a Three Broomsticks table, with a hot butterbeer this time, her blue eyes watching people walk by outside, their cloaks swirling around them, their hands full of packages from Honeydukes. She had yet to buy anything, still trying to figure out the best gifts for her family. There was time, anyway; they still celebrated Christmas at the Russian date even if they had lived in this country for so long. And Lyuba was probably out shopping as well, so there was no point in sneaking around to look for surprises. Instead, Nadya was simply enjoying her chance to be out of the castle, free from the watchful eyes of professors and prefects--or as free as she could be until she graduated.
She took a long drink of her butterbeer, feeling it warm her chest from the inside. It was needed on this sort of day, and while a stronger drink might burn a little more, the cozy warmth of the golden drink was just the right thing to keep Nadya from shivering. Pulling her bag onto her lap, she began to sort through the small packets of herbs she kept there, hoping it didn't look entirely suspicious to have so many dried plant leaves with her.
Post by TOBIAS TURNER on Jun 23, 2019 19:22:56 GMT
It was the same old routine. Except tonight Tobias decided to treat himself and have some fun. The former Gryffindor was already deliciously spiced up and tipsy. He didn’t care what hour it was but he had been dancing with random people. Some of them looked rather confused but just rolled with it. Letting go and forgetting was important to keep going. Especially with the situation he was in. “Work when you have to and have fun when you can,” he proclaimed on the little dance floor he created for himself. “Who cares what the moral guidelines say. Screw that, dance during the day. The real losers are the ones who cannot enjoy live. Have fun, see you around,” he waved the people he met and forgot today goodbye to have some refreshments.
He ordered something chill and sat down at what he thought was an empty table. It took him about half a minute to realize he almost sat on someone, just missing by a few centimeters. “Oh, sorry ‘bout that,” he scratched himself behind the head. His eye fell on the bag first. Noticing herbs. “Hmm? Got any special ones between that?” Toby teased the person, finally looking up and… Oh damn. That exact moment he went from a jolly drunk to an embarrassed young man. Usually he ran into old familiars from Hogwarts. But he wasn’t sure if he had met this girl before. Though she did look around his age. There was something about her, it was enchanting. Was it the stuff he was on that made him extra giddy. “Do you like dancing?” He tried a conversation to alter his mind.
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Jun 29, 2019 2:03:53 GMT
Nadya paused in her movements, pulling her bag a little closer to herself, turning her blue eyes on her new companion. "I'd say some are more interesting than others," she said, the very slightest of mischievous smiles on her face. She did keep all sorts of herbs, many of them the most useful ones from the greenhouses: for healing, for sleeping, for staying awake. Of course, as a determined forest dweller, there were a handful that were not part of the Hogwarts curriculum, ones she'd found and researched on her own. Those had a greater variety of effects--but they were closer to the bottom of the bag, out of sight of any professors who might have also thought to visit the pub that day.
She studied the face of the young man who had plopped himself next to her, noticing his mannerisms and the look in his eyes--easy to tell that he was very much drunk, even if he hadn't nearly sat on her. And, she realized as she traced her eyes over his face, he seemed so familiar--wait, was it really him? It had been so, so long since the last time she'd seen that face, and he looked the worse for wear since then.
"Tobias," she said matter-of-factly, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. They had never been friends in the years ago that they had been classmates, far too different from each other, but looking at him now, Nadya could not help but worry. "How is life treating you?"
There didn't seem to be much recognition of her in his eyes, but it was no matter; she too had needed time to remember his face. What she could do was continue to speak to him, to catch up even if there weren't really any memories to go on. And she could dance--she was sure she could, despite never learning how. It was in her blood.
Post by TOBIAS TURNER on Jul 11, 2019 21:28:21 GMT
“Oooh,” Tobias wiggled his eyebrows. Well she really had his interest now. The curly haired male shifted closer in curiosity. His eyes scanning the room to check if anyone was watching them. Then he leaned in and whispered: “Do you have any that make you go whoo-whoo?” Having nothing to lose or gain in this life, Toby was always interested in experiencing and trying something new. His chance for a bright future was taken away so all he had left was to enjoy life once in a while. In his mind he was already making up great plans. If this girl really carried such herbs, he might have found himself a trip buddy. It was more fun to explore the world with someone than alone.
His little day dream moment was disturbed when she called him by his name. Oh shit. He didn't remember introducing himself. "Wait a minute…" his eyes squinted and the few remaining brain cells in his head started searching through his past. His eyes widened in realisation. "Hold up. Nadya? Damn you really changed over the years. I barely recognized you!” His blurry vision didn’t help much either. “You look good. Last time I saw you were an icky little brat,” he teased his old classmate by sticking his tongue out. They’d been on opposite houses and Tobias had always joyfully played out the little friendly rivalry between Slytherins and Gryffindors. He shrugged at the question. “Trying to make the best out of it. I don’t expect to get old so I decided to live every day like it’s my last. Make some memories and have fun when I can,” he said, trying to be optimistic for once. “How about you? Is Hogwarts boring you yet?”
“Don’t mind if I do,” he grinned and lead the way. Despite it being day, there was a good atmosphere in what usually was a simple hanging out pub. Tobias quite liked it. Listening to the music that played, he decided to settle for a set of classic 50s dance moves. “I swear if we can get people to join us it might look like we’re in a movie.”
and i'm calling for my mother/as i pull the pillars down
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Jul 18, 2019 2:49:32 GMT
If it were for a better reason that Tobias had left Hogwarts, Nadya would have told him as well that he had changed so much she could barely recognize him--because it was true. But as it was, she didn't want to bring up such things. Not when they were here, when she had the chance to do something that helped him out, even if it was just dancing with him and giving him some particular kinds of leaves to distract him.
It was strange, wasn't it, that the very thing that made so many people hate him was the thing that made Nadya like him for once in her life? But maybe it wasn't so strange when it was Nadya. The half-veela girl could not see her future with anyone else but other creatures, feeling more comfortable with that side of herself. She would rather dance with Tobias than the rest of the crowd at the bar, illogical as it may seem. The boy did look like a mess, and she could already smell that he was drunk, but there was something in her that made her need to find out if her old classmate was doing alright. Because from the sound of his words, he was anything but.
"Boring as always," Nadya said as Tobias began to get up, ready to lead her to the open space where people could dance. "At least I'm doing well in Herbology." She grinned, gesturing with her head toward the bag of herbs. "Let me know if you need anything, whether it grows in the greenhouses or the Forbidden Forest." Some things needed to be gathered wild. The questionable plants that did grow in the greenhouses were mostly just dangerous potion ingredients--anything Tobias wanted was likely to be found outside of there. Unless he wanted wolfsbane--but Nadya did not think she would be able to brew the potion, so she left that out.
As they found a spot on the dance floor, she smiled again, amused at Tobias's retro dance moves. For her own part, she took his hand, beginning to sway to the music as well, enjoying the chance to let loose for once. "Maybe we'll dance so well they have no choice!"
Post by TOBIAS TURNER on Aug 16, 2019 22:15:48 GMT
“Boring?” Tobias chuckled as they made their way. The closer they got to the music the more he had to lean towards her in order to understand what she was saying. “Don’t tell me there are no juicy stories. I can’t believe it got so dull without me,” he joked. Back then he was quite the good kid who tried very hard to impress Professor O’Connor. Nowadays, he was a bit of a wild card because good behavior didn’t get him anywhere in the end. Nadezhda had changed too, maybe not as much as he had but she definitely wasn’t a kid anymore. He was really enjoying this short time with her. For a moment he was able to forget about the problems in life. “At least you have herbology. I wait for the day you create a monster plan which eats first years,” he teased her with a chuckle. When offered herbs, Tobias grinned. “Ditany is always nice to have. And perhaps some giggle weed. But it’ll be more fun if we do that together,” he winked, hoping to have more days like this.
Dancing so well everyone else is forced to join? He took that challenge. It seemed to work as more people decided to pair up and dance. They were doing pretty well with funky dance moves until a more smooth sound came. Some people started dancing the cha cha cha and oh boy this looked hard. His green eyes had a mischievous spark. “Hell let’s just do it,” he whispered and placed his hand on her waist. They’d likely fall over their own feet but they’d just laugh it off.
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Aug 19, 2019 9:49:18 GMT
"Excitement? At this school?" If Nadya had liked the castle more, perhaps she might have found excitement. As it was, she would be happy to be done at any time. No more professors breathing down her neck, no more stifling rules. "There's a ball coming up, which I suppose I'll go to--not like I have any suitable dates in the school, but dancing would be nice." The only person in the castle who would be worth a date in her opinion was Almir, who was certainly not an option--ah, if she were only a couple years older. But then she wouldn't be at school, and wouldn't have to worry about that kind of thing anyway. "You should consider crashing it," she said, a smile playing on her face. "Need you to bring all that excitement back, you know? Since I haven't perfected that monster plant yet." That sounded like something she would do--he really did remember.
It wasn't like old times, not at all, but it was better. Now that she had reason to speak with Tobias, to offer help or at least companionship, she was enjoying her time with him. "I've always got dittany; I have a patch of my own in one of the greenhouses. Giggle weed, I usually do have a supply from the forest..." Then she remembered the bit of excitement that had just happened. "I met a wolf in the forest just a few days ago, looking for herbs. See, I'm sure I could get you in if you ever needed."
Pulling Tobias closer as the music changed, she smiled mischievously next to his ear. "Now this, I like," she whispered, her lips coming close to the shell of his ear. Moving her feet faster, she began to fall into the rhythm of the dance. Nadya had never been trained to dance, and could not say that she knew the steps of the cha-cha, but she was convinced that she must be able to dance well enough not to make a fool of herself. After all, it was in her blood.
Post by TOBIAS TURNER on Aug 23, 2019 21:57:50 GMT
“I always had great fun with those secret alcohol parties. Do they still do that, or is it no longer fun now you’re all allowed to drink?” There were so many downsides about growing up. Some things lost their charm when they became legal. “A ball, huh? Screw dates. You go in there, rock whatever beautiful dress you picked and have one hell of a night. Heck you could even show up in a potato sack with your attitude you’d make every girl in there jealous. Own the bloody dancefloor.Highschool dates are boring and cheesy.” Yes Nadezhda was drop dead gorgeous everyone could agree on that. But her personality made her really stand out from all the pretty faces. “I should if I want uncle Jack to curse my arse into oblivion. But damn it’s be hilarious to see his face.” It was not worth the drama someone would probably start thinking werewolves had started infiltrating the school again. Tobias didn’t need more werewolf hate than there was already.
Tobias clapped his hands together and leaned closer. “You’re a lifesaver Nadya!” He cheered in happiness. Having friends with certain skills definitely had it’s perks. They were also nice excuses for them to hang out. Whenever he would feel lonely, he could just pretend he needed something. “Ah a classic stroll through the forbidden forest. The perfect romantic setting,” he teased and wiggled his eyebrows.
Things were going smoother than he had anticipated. Toby was delightfully surprised. Alas it was another dancing couple that messed up and bumped into them. At this point he did lost his balance. “SHIIIII-” He managed to turn just in time so he’d fall on the floor and Nadya on top of him. As they laid there, he suddenly burst out in laughter. “At least we look like fools together, am I right?”
and i'm calling for my mother/as i pull the pillars down
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Aug 26, 2019 7:52:48 GMT
"Oh, they do have plenty of parties, but since they've been invaded by the younger years, I don't have as much fun. Lost its charm when I had to drag my little sister back to Gryffindor Tower when she couldn't walk in a straight line anymore." Nadya shook her head, remembering little Lyuba being very--not little anymore. Silly girl--Nadya loved her very much, but still a silly girl. "And they already said they won't let drinks into the ball, so everyone'll probably be too awkward to dance." The usual ban, even for those of them that were seventeen and eighteen already, which she found rather unfair. But then, that would only mean Nadya would really own the dancefloor. "Guess I'll have to shock our dear O'Connor all on my own. I'll do my best to think of something." She winked with a smile.
"What, you think the forest isn't--" She was stopped from finishing her reply by Tobias tripping and toppling down, his hold on her bringing her right down with him. "Блять!" Her height meant her limbs were suddenly splayed all over the floor and the werewolf's body, and she propped herself up with a hand on his chest, looking down at the laughing face surrounded by curly hair. Though she was not as quick to laugh, hoping nobody she knew too well had seen her fall, a hint of a smile did sneak onto her face at Tobias's cheer. She was glad that even as rough as he looked, he still had reason to smile. "Not quite as romantic as the Forbidden Forest, no?" As she said the words, she was very aware of how close they were, having fallen directly on top of him.
Post by TOBIAS TURNER on Sept 7, 2019 20:32:29 GMT
Tobias listened and nodded. “Yeah definitely sounds like you’ve outgrown those parties,” he chuckled when he heard the current way of things. Tobias was kicked out by his parents before he could do such things for his siblings. “I wish I could whisk you away to the big city. That’s where the real stuff happens. Even been to an illegal rave or a psychedelic party. Shit is wack. More than a party it’s a life experience. The people coming there aren’t pretentious students trying to prove how cool they are. Everyone is chill and wants to have a good time.” Who knew? Maybe the winter break would leave a chance. Sure they’d find a place to crash somewhere. If she’d be in for it he’d love to take Nadya to a real party.
The young wolf cringed and shook his head. “How many people are actually having a good time there. It sounds awful. I’ve heard of funerals with more spirit. Do your best to make it as fun as possible, I’ll think of you and send my positive vibes your way.”
“That’s the spirit,” he grinned, booping her nose when he saw a hint of a smile. “So what we fell? We’re having a good time if anyone wants to laugh, shame on them. I honestly stopped caring what people think about me a long time ago. And even then this isn’t the most embarrassing thing I’ve done,” he joked to keep the mood good.
The curly haired male mused and looked into a pair of beautiful eyes. His hand reached up so he could tuck a string of hair behind her ear so he could have a better look. “Not quite, you should show me some time,” he winked. “I haven’t been there in a long while. Shit has got spiders, I’m not a fan of big spiders. Centaurs can be a bunch of arses too. But I'll feel a lot saver knowing you'd guide me through.”
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Sept 8, 2019 18:35:52 GMT
How many people were having a good time at Hogwarts? Nadya surely wasn't, but that was normal for her. For everyone else? Well, there were the usual overbearing professors, prefects with inflated egos, idiot classmates... "I have my doubts about those good times, too, but at least I'll be done with it in less than a year," she said, tucking a fallen piece of blonde hair behind her ear. "At least I can come to Hogsmeade. And go home for Christmas." Her escapes from the castle, along with the forest.
Although, while home was good--Nadya would never miss a chance to celebrate Christmas and New Year's with her family, Russian-style--the fact that her father was the Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures (wasn't that a mouthful of a job title?) hung over her head. Even there, she couldn't escape what the Ministry was doing. It drove her a little mad.
Which was why the offer of a proper party was something she could go for. She wasn't sure if she would like being in such crowds, but she would love that kind of distraction. "I do live in London, I simply have a very protective Papa," she said dryly. "And a top-floor apartment. But, if we can find a good excuse to get me out of there, why not?" She didn't have the restriction on underage magic on her anymore, so sneaking out should be easy enough, if it came to that. (That is, if there weren't more locks on the door then there had been the last time she had been home.)
She felt the hair on the other side of her face lifted and tucked behind her ear, and she leaned into the hand. "The spiders are not my favorite, but centaurs are alright. They just don't want to be bothered by humans who think they know better, same as anyone." Same as Nadya herself, if she was telling the truth. "Shall we get back on our feet, or are you too comfortable like this?"
Post by TOBIAS TURNER on Sept 11, 2019 20:23:38 GMT
Tobias hummed as he listened to Nadya sharing her moments of escape. “Stay strong just a little while longer. I’ll be awaiting you in the real world,” he said, moving his head up a little so their noses touched. The curly haired male smiled. He too would have to stay strong for just a little while longer. There had been plenty of times where he had given up on life. Life however didn’t seem to be done with him yet. Perhaps if he had someone like Nadya in his life, it would be worth staying. “Do you have anything special planned for Christmas?” Tobias remembered amazing stories she used to tell about her Russian heritage.
“Oh?!” His dull eyes shone again, seeing opportunities. Who knew? Perhaps his winter wouldn’t be cold and lonely this time. If they could sneak past a scary dad, they could go to one of the greater parties in London. “Perhaps we can have you escape Rapunzel style? I’m sure there is a potion for rapid hair growth,” he chuckled at his own joke. They’ll figure out something. He didn’t want her to get into trouble with her parents but there were options to keep it secretive. “If needed I’ll take you back before the clock strikes twelve and all magic disappears,” he teased, knowingly that all the cool parties had barely even started at twelve.
The young wolf found himself enchanted by a pair of beautiful eyes. He didn’t know if it was just her veela charm or something more. Toby had been exposed to it for quite some years but it was never as present as now. What if it was-
“Yeah, I would advise against waking up in their theory after a full moon. Been there, done that. No idea how I got out alive.” They probably took pity on him. Tobias wasn’t really a threat to anyone but himself unless the moon was high and full. “Hmm,” he mused at her question and bit his lip in a flirty way. “Might be best for us to get up before we do something which may shock our audience.” How many of these people were Nadezhda’s classmates. He hoped he wasn’t ruining her reputation at school getting close to her like this.
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Sept 15, 2019 17:55:39 GMT
As she thought about Christmas and New Year's, Nadya couldn't help but smile. It was usually the same every year, but that didn't mean it was any less special. "The usual plans! We'll make lots of food--olivier salad, pirozhki, maybe we'll have some caviar too. And on New Year's Eve every year, we always watch this Soviet movie that's really funny--I don't know if I can explain exactly why it's so good, but the main character gets super drunk in a banya and ends up in the apartment of a woman named Nadya." The Karevs might have been wizards, but Nadya knew that her Papa had grown up in the Muggle world, which was why they had things like a TV in their apartment.
Getting her legs underneath her, she leaned back, sitting on Tobias's thighs and looking down at him, a thoughtful expression on her face as she considered a plan. She'd never snuck out of the apartment before, but she'd snuck out of Hogwarts Castle plenty of times--it shouldn't be too much harder. "I know I've got long hair, but not that long," she said, tugging at the ends of it. "I'd rather think of something that doesn't threaten to rip my head open. I've had enough of that this term." Reflexively, she touched the spot on her head that she'd cut on the platform back in Defense Against the Dark Arts class. It was healed now, thanks to the hospital wing, but it was another reminder of all the worry she had about the treatment of magical creatures. She didn't know what was going to happen, but she hoped the Ministry wouldn't get involved.
"Told you the centaurs don't mind if you're not an obnoxious human," Nadya said, raising herself to a kneeling position and holding out a hand to help Tobias up. She raised her eyebrows at his next comment. "Planning to do something shocking, are we?" Now that would be a bit of excitement she sorely needed.
Post by TOBIAS TURNER on Sept 30, 2019 13:54:34 GMT
Tobias was drooling at the mention of all the foods Nadezehda would be eating. “Sweet baby that sounds bloody good. Is there any chance you can fetch me some pirozhki? Those sure warm the body during a cold winter,” he held his hands together in a pleading position. When it came to food, Tobias didn’t mind showing he was a poor street dog in need of a good meal and a scratch behind the ear. “That movie sounds hilarious. We should watch it together some time.” However, he saw little chance being able to enter that apartment. Nadya’s dad was the head of the werewolf regulation department. Toby doubted the man would like his daughter hanging out with one.
“Yeah I think I prefer to party with an uninjured Nadya,” he agreed that the hair idea wasn’t the greatest. “We’ll come up with something. Your brilliant brains and my sometimes genius sometimes idiotic ideas will find a way,” he held up both thumbs, feeling confident.
The wolf laughed at the comment. “Yeah I’m only an obnoxious werewolf, I should be fine,” he grinned at his own joke. After accepting the hand, Toby stood on both feet again. He bit his lip and chuckled. He leaned in and whispered in her ear: “I could show you if you’d follow me upstairs.” His lips ghosted over her neck before he returned to wink. NADEZHDA KAREVA,
Note:I think we can end this one after your post.
| 5'10 | street dog junkie | casually dating Nadezhda | pansexual +ploy | sig and award made by the wonderful ollie
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Post by NADEZHDA KAREVA on Oct 3, 2019 22:37:24 GMT
Nadya laughed. "I always used to steal the pirozhki from the table before they were finished. I'm sure I can sneak a few out for you." In truth, it wasn't really stealing, simply grabbing a few before the baking was done and the holiday meal was set, but describing it that way sounded more fun. It had always been a bit of sneaky mischief when she and her sisters had been very small and the mischief had been just as petty along with it.
Nowadays, the mischief was bigger and more difficult, but something that mattered more. Nadya would always love her Papa, who had always been so devoted to them, raising three children all alone, but she had so much trouble standing by while his job hurt people. It bothered her so deeply that her life was financed by Ministry income, and yet it was the only job Papa had experience in and was good at...
She would have to take her own path.
"Lead the way, obnoxious werewolf, for this obnoxious veela," she said, her eyes sparkling. A private room at the Three Broomsticks had not been in her plans for the day, but she wouldn't complain about that for a moment. There would be more days for shopping and that sort of thing--right now she had an itch to scratch.
